2025 East Africa Digital Trust Insights Survey

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, East African organisations are stepping up

74% of businesses in East Africa say placing cyber risks at the top of their agenda

• 74% of organisations prioritise cyber risks, with threats like third-party breaches, social engineering, and hack-and-leak operations identified as key concerns. 

• 92% of respondents report that cybersecurity regulations have challenged, improved, or strengthened their security posture, compared to 78% globally, underscoring regional commitment to improvement. 

• East African boards show strong levels of engagement on key subjects such as cyber metrics (59%) and regulatory actions (46%), both considerably higher than the global averages. 

• 54% of regional organisations prioritise critical processes in their cyber strategies.

• East Africa outperformed global peers by 10-20% across all cybersecurity behaviours, reflecting a robust approach to threat response.

October 11, 2024 – As cyber threats become more sophisticated and persistent, organisations across East Africa are rising to the challenge. The latest Digital Trust Insights (DTI) Survey for the East Africa region, titled “Strengthening Cyber Defences: The Road to Resilience in East Africa” reveals a significant shift in priorities, with 74% of businesses in the region placing cyber risks at the top of their agenda—well above global averages. It’s clear that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it’s a critical business imperative.

East African organisations are navigating a complex landscape, where regulatory compliance, third-party breaches, and social engineering attacks are testing their resilience. In response, 44% of businesses said they were focusing on regulatory alignment, and many are making bold investments to modernise their infrastructure and upskill their teams.

The report also dives into the promise and risks of emerging technologies such as GenAI, which is poised to transform security operations, but introduces new vulnerabilities that leaders must be prepared to manage. 

Despite these challenges, East Africa’s leaders are showing strong collaboration and engagement at board level, positioning the region as a strong player in cybersecurity readiness.

Through in-depth survey data and analysis, this report provides valuable insights into the strategies and investments shaping the future of cybersecurity in East Africa.